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Celebrate with Mickey and Minnie as Mickey presents Minnie with a most wonderful gift of Christmas. Goofy, Donald and many others favorite, join together in celebration of the season with their own twist on the Nutcracker. It is quite funny and enjoyable for the whole family. You don’t want to miss it. This holiday shows three times during the party, 7:30 p.m., 10:05 p.m., and 11:20 p.m. Here is the collection of pictures of the show I took this last year, enjoy!

One of the biggest icons of the Disneyland Park is transformed into one of the happiest attractions ever created. Disney have done this by the explosion of decorations in and around every inch of this attraction. Additionally, they have created a medley of songs using Christmas carols from around the world. We usually only ride this attraction once each visit but with things made up for the holidays, we find ourselves riding in several times. There is just so much to see and enjoy. One of the things we like to do while riding the attraction is to find all the Disney characters mixed within the 300 plus dolls. Can you find them all? The characters you will find are Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Aladdin, Jasmine, The Three Caballeros, Ariel, Flounder, Lilo, Stitch, Woody, Jessies and Bullseye.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights has become a tradition for many families and guests traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort. Located in the back of Disney Hollywood Studios on the Streets of America hang over 5 million multicolored lights, covering every building top to bottom. There are literally hundreds of displays to see as you walk along the streets. You will see things like a twirling carousel, Santa and his reindeer, flying angels, toy soldiers, snowmen, bells, a giant rotating globe with Peace on Earth displayed across it, 42 hidden Mickeys, and of course, the traditional manger scene.

Disney didn’t just stop with the millions of lights, but it has synchronized the lights to high-energy traditional Christmas music while covering their guests with some light snow flurries. That’s right. Disney makes it snow the entire night. Each night they go through about 100 gallons of snow fluid and have 66 snow machines to create this winter wonderland. It is the best light display and show you will ever see.

Can you imagine how long it would take to hang over 5 million lights stretching over 10 miles, including rope lights, 130 angels, a hundred different displays, and 32 miles of extension cables? Well, they start putting everything together starting in August and continue almost every day up to the opening night. Pretty amazing if you ask me!

It all started with a father’s Christmas gift to his daughter in the town of Little Rock, Arkansas. Each year he would put up more lights and more displays. When he ran out of room he bought the two houses next to his so he could expand his display. Well, his neighbors didn’t like it very much, so through a court battle he had to take it all down. This is where the Walt Disney Company stepped in and continued their fun and exciting tradition. It was only in 2006 they synchronized everything to music.

In addition to everything else, each year Disney cast members hide a purple cat, and guests try to find where they put him. The cat is one of the original displays from the Osborne family. Most of the displays were replaced or updated throughout the years. The Osborne Spectacle of Lights really is something everyone needs to experience, at least once in his or her lifetime.

Most people who have been on a trip to Disneyland often think of it fondly as a place where they could let loose and just be happy. Few people doubt Disneyland’s claim to being the “happiest place on earth.” What not everyone knows is that during the Christmas season, Disneyland gets a head-to-toe makeover and it becomes not only the happiest, but the merriest place on earth.

Christmas at Disneyland is one of my favorite seasons. The added decorations in the park alone leave you immersed in a festive holiday wonderland. However, there are some additions to the park during the Holiday season that are wonderful bonuses to an already magical place.

As with anytime of year though, if you don’t know what you are getting yourself into at Disneyland, you may miss out on some of the magic and festivities that are just waiting for you to discover. Below you will find some of the “extras” that can add a little bit more sparkle to your Disneyland vacation during the Christmas season. Read closely. You won’t want to miss a thing!

Jingle Jangle Jamboree

Hidden back behind Big Thunder Mountain resides one of the merriest places in the whole park – the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. This is one of my family’s favorite places to visit during the holidays. Here you’ll find your favorite Disney characters all dressed up in their Christmas outfits, special entertainment, reindeer games & activities, merchandise, treats, and of course meet the big guy himself, Santa Claus. While enjoying the live entertainment families can make their own holiday decorations at the craft station or try some of the reindeer games. My favorite reindeer game is the ‘Dashing Thru the Snow on a Slippery Slope’, its much like Plinko but instead of getting points at the bottom you race against others and whomever gets their puck to the bottom first wins.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Each year, for both the Halloween and Christmas Seasons the Haunted Mansion is transformed to the theme of Tim Burton’s ‘Nightmare Before Christmas.’ This transformation makes the Haunted Mansion one of the most popular attractions in the park during the holidays. It is definitely on the top of my list of must-sees each year. Notice the ginger bread house in the main ballroom of the attraction. The bakers at the Disneyland Resort come together each year to create an original gingerbread house. Last year’s gingerbread house was perched on a tall and spindly mountain featuring a flying Zero and a ghost train. At 9 feet tall, it was one of the tallest they’ve ever built.

Jingle Cruise

The well-known attraction, the Jungle Cruise, gets a transformation this season with holiday gifts and décor. The skippers are as witty and funny as ever but with a holiday twist this time. Having the holidays intertwined with this attraction brings even more life and excitement to one of our favorite classics. You have to go on it several times to see all the added extras. I’ve ridden it several times now and still don’t think I’ve seen all the little touches. It’s a holiday don’t miss!

it’s a small world – The Happiest Cruise that ever sailed just got Merrier!

One of the biggest icons of the Disneyland Park is transformed into one of the happiest attractions ever created. They have done this by the explosion of decorations in and around every inch of this attraction. Additionally, they have created a medley of songs using Christmas carols from around the world. We usually only ride this attraction once each visit but with things made up for the holidays, we find ourselves riding in several times. There is just so much to see and enjoy. One of the things we like to do while riding the attraction is to find all the Disney characters mixed within the 300 plus dolls. Can you find them all? The characters you will find are Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Aladdin, Jasmine, The Three Caballeros, Ariel, Flounder, Lilo, Stitch, Woody, Jessies and Bullseye.

Believe…in Holiday Magic Fireworks

Ending the day watching one of the merriest fireworks show on the planet is particularly fun and special. With the incredible Sleeping Beauty’s Castle covered in 80,000 twinkling lights, snow, and icicles in the foreground, there really is no better setting for a firework show. Watching the fireworks choreographed to traditional Christmas music really brings the holidays to life. To top it off it snows! That’s right it snows along Main Street all the way to the castle. Yeah, Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays!

Tips for seeing the Fireworks

For the fireworks, I would stand between the Refreshment Corner on Main Street and the main hub in front of the castle. I would not stand between the hub and the castle because you’re so close you will not be able to see the fireworks as well.

On top of the Train Station behind the preferred seating, is another great place to view the fireworks. Those siting in the seats are required to stay seated. You will get an amazing panoramic view of the fireworks. Make sure you arrive early for a spot.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade

Disneyland’s Christmas parade is so much fun to watch and really gets the whole family into the spirit of Christmas. I love how Disney has been able to create a parade with so much tradition and memories of the holidays we have all come to love. You get so much more than just seeing your favorite Disney characters but are surrounded by prancing Reindeer, dancing ginger bread man, houses made out of gingerbread, marching toy soldiers, dancing snowman, Christmas trees and to end it all, Santa Claus. This magical parade runs twice a day during the holiday season. If time allows, it is kind of fun to watch it during the day and at night to get a different perspective.

Tips for viewing the parade:

There are always less people at the second parade. If the weather is looking bad, choose the first parade in case the second one is canceled.

I recommend watching the parade around the “it’s a small world” attraction or near the Matterhorn area

Avoid Main Street and the main area in front of the Castle! The crowds are the biggest around these areas.

Start finding a place to view the parade about 45 minutes before it starts. While you save a spot, this is a good time to eat. Have part of the family stay and hold the viewing spot, while the others go and get food or snacks for everyone.

Disney Viva Navidad Celebration!

Join your favorite three amigos, Donald Duck, Panchito from Mexico and Jose from Brazil in their high-spirited celebration street party. This party focuses on Latin American traditional songs, dancing, and the larger than life 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Of Course, no Disney celebration is complete without Mickey and Minnie Mouse in attendance. You will definitely find yourself dancing and singing along with everyone. This fun celebration takes place daily several times throughout the holiday season. Between these celebrations you can actually meet the three amigos along with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy all dressed in their Latin Christmas outfits. Check the daily times guide for specifics.

Cars Land

Cars Land is probably the most decorated area in any of the parks between both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It doesn’t matter where you turn there are creative and fun decorations everywhere. My favorite thing to do in Cars Land during the Holidays is find all the creative trees put up around the area. I think my favorite tree is Sally’s Construction Cone Tree with Lizzie’s Route 66 Signs tree in a close second. All the trees are pretty amazing so make sure you take the time to look through the pictures below and decide which one is your favorite. If you will be in the parks this holiday season, I would also recommend making sure to go back and explore Cars Land at night because it is a totally different experience with all the neon lights turned on. For those not visiting the parks this season, take a look at the pictures below and enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

World of Color – Winter Dreams

One of my favorite nighttime shows World of Color is transformed into an amazing wintry wonderland celebration know as Winter Dreams and is hosted by everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf! With the mists of water, lazars, HD projections, fountains and a mixture of your favorite Christmas songs this is one of the top things for my family to see during the holiday season.

Cars Land is probably the most decorated area in any of the parks between both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It doesn’t matter where you turn there are creative and fun decorations everywhere. My favorite thing to do in Cars Land during the Holidays is find all the creative trees put up around the area. I think my favorite tree is Sally’s Construction Cone Tree with Lizzie’s Route 66 Signs tree in a close second. All the trees are pretty amazing so make sure you take the time to look through the pictures below and decide which one is your favorite. If you will be in the parks this holiday season, I would also recommend making sure to go back and explore Cars Land at night because it is a totally different experience with all the neon lights turned on. For those not visiting the parks this season, take a look at the pictures below and enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the happiest party on the planet. This event is filled with all kinds of fun holiday entertainment and is highly anticipated each year. Your family, like mine, will love the special Christmas Fireworks show, “Holiday Wishes – Celebrate The Spirit of The Season”, the complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the Celebrate the Season Castle Show and of course all the unique and fun character meet and greets.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas – Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch come together with a holiday musical revue. This takes place five times during the party, 7:45pm, 8:45pm, 9:55pm, 10:50pm and 11:45pm at the Tomorrowland Galactic stage between Space Mountain and Carousel of Progress.

Celebrate the Season Show – Celebrate with Mickey and Minnie as he presents her with a most wonderful gift of Christmas. Goofy, Donald and many others favorite, join together in celebration of the season with their own twist on the Nutcracker. It is quite funny and enjoyable for the whole family. You don’t want to miss it. This holiday shows three times during the party, 7:30 p.m., 10:05 p.m., and 11:20 p.m.

A Frozen Holiday Wish – New this year, each night Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf come together in hopes to spread Christmas magic to the Magic Kingdom. Elsa with her awe-inspiring powers frosts Cinderella’s Royal Castle, creating a beautiful and inspiring icy centerpiece for the Magic Kingdom. The Holiday Wish happens twice each night, 6:15 pm, 8:00 pm at Cinderella Castle Stage.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – New this year to the parade are the well beloved characters from Disney’s Frozen, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf. Enjoy seeing your favorite Disney Characters along with gingerbread men, elves, toy soldiers, and of course Christmas’ favorite guy, Santa Clause. Each Christmas party has two parades, the first one starting at 8:15 p.m. and the second one starting at 10:30 p.m. I recommend attending the second parade because more guests watch the first parade, making the second parade less crowded.

Celebrate The Magic – Each night Cinderella’s Royal Castle comes to life as Disney Imagineers create a new way of storytelling. They use Cinderella’s beautiful castle as the canvas of telling the stories of some of your favorite Disney movies. Celebrate the Magic is a great preshow to the fireworks. It’s an exciting show the whole family will enjoy and I highly recommend watching it. The show plays nightly right before and after the fireworks spectacular.

Holiday Wishes – Celebrate The Spirit of The Season – These fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. in front of Cinderella’s castle. None other than Jiminy Cricket hosts this fireworks show. Flames, fireworks and a remix of your favorite Disney songs and Christmas theme music all come together to make this a don’t-miss firework shows. These fireworks are different than the regular fireworks done during the week and only those attending the Christmas Party have the opportunity to watch them.

“Celebrate The Magic”/Holiday Wishes – Celebrate The Spirit of The Season Fireworks Tips

For the best view of Celebrate The Magic, stand between the Refreshment Corner on Main Street and the main hub in front of the castle (the circular area where Walt Disney’s statue is). I would not stand between the hub and the castle because the castle will partially block your view of the fireworks. The closer you get to Casey’s Corner, the better your view will be. Main Street U.S.A. is also a good spot to view the shows.

Holiday Treats – With admission into the party comes complimentary holiday cookies and hot cocoa. The treats can be found at seven locations throughout the park, Sunshine Tree Terrace, Tortuga Tavern, Columbia Harbor House, Pinocchio Village Haus, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and at the Crystal Palace. One of the great things about these treats, is you can go back as many times as you want. Keep mind each place stops serving at various times, so keep track of the time.

Exclusive Merchandise – Disney sells exclusive merchandise during the parties such as t-shirts, Disney trading pins, new Magic bands and more at the Emporium, Mickey’s Star Traders, Frontier Trading Post, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe and Big Top Souvenirs. These are the only places that sell the exclusive merchandise. You can buy other Disney Holiday-themed merchandise during the day as well.

Character Encounters

There are approximately 47 characters that do meet and greets, 11 characters at the Dance parties. In total there are 58 characters that you will be able to visit in some way. Below is a list of the meet and greet characters for the party.

Character Dance Parties – These dance parties are a great way to take a load off and dance the night away with some of your favorite Disney Characters. Select Disney Characters come out and dance with everyone; however, they usually don’t stop and take pictures and don’t sign autographs at the dance parties.

Club Tinsel takes place in Comic Rays counter service restaurant. Lead by your favorite alien Stitch, this party is all about having fun and showing off your Stitch side. Here you will see Stitch, Pluto, Chip & Dale.

Holiday Hootenanny! Takes place in Frontierland in the Diamond Horseshoe. Lead by your favorite classic Disney Characters, this party is all about showing off your countryside. Here you will get to see Clarabelle Cow, Clara Cluck, Horace Horsecollar and the four country bears. These characters only come out for the Christmas party.

Extremely Popular Characters

“Sandy Claws” AKA Jack Skellington – Located in Storybook Circus next to the large tents in the back; Greeting Tip: Jack will start to meet guests about 5:30 p.m. If you wait until the party starts you could spend up to 2 ½ hours waiting to see them, which will take up half of the party.

Seven Dwarfs – Located in Fantasyland next to the great walls in Fantasyland beyond the Carousel; Greeting Tip: The line to meet the Seven Dwarf’s starts about 6:00 p.m. The line can extend up to 2 hours. If you want to see both Jack & Sally and the Seven Dwarfs, wait to do the meet and greet for the dwarfs later in the evening; however, don’t wait too long, because they will cut off the line early.

Captain Jack Sparrow – Located in Adventureland across the pathway from Pirates of Caribbean attraction; Greeting Tip: The line to meet Jack starts about 6:15 p.m. The line will extend up to about 2 hours. Great time to meet Jack is during the parade. I would skip the first parade and meet Jack and go to the second parade, which usually has the smaller crowds.

Princess Anna & Queen Elsa – Located in Fantasyland at Princess Fairytale Hall; The princesses meet and greets here all day. If you want to meet them I would do it during the day before the party starts. Their line will be at least 2 hours long.

Moderately Popular Characters

Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet & Eeyore – Located next to the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction; They typically don’t start meeting guests until about a half hour after the party starts. These characters are dressed up in their Christmas outfits. Only Winnie the Pooh and Tigger do meet and greets during the day.

Peter Pan & Wendy – Located in Fantasyland to the right of Peter Pan’s attraction, towards the Tangled themed area.

Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu & the Genie – Located in Adventureland in the building across the path from the Swiss Family Treehouse; Aladdin & Abu come out together, and Jasmine and the Genie come out together.

Santa Clause – Located in Main Street, U.S.A. next to City Hall

Easier To Meet Characters

Mickey Mouse – Located in Main Street, U.S.A in the Town Square Theatre; Mickey meets here regularly, but during the Christmas Party he dresses in his Christmas outfit.

Minnie Mouse – Located in Fantasyland near the entrance of Storybook Circus; Minnie Mouse is dressed in her Christmas outfit for the party.

Goofy – Located in Fantasyland near Goofy’s Barnstormer; Goofy is dressed up like Santa Clause for the party

Donald & Daisy & Scrooge McDuck – Located in Fantasyland near the entrance of Storybook Circus near Dumbo; Daisy & Donald are dressed in their Christmas outfits for the party

Belle – Located in Fantasyland in Marcie’s Cottage – Enchanted Tales with Belle location; Meets guests during the regular day here.

Snow White w/Snow Prince & Aurora w/Prince Philip – Located in Fantasyland next to the great walls in Fantasyland beyond the Carousel (Near the Mine Train); Meets guests during the regular day in Town Square.

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen – Located in Liberty Square behind the Christmas Shop; Meets guests during the regular day here.

Marry Poppins, Bert & Mr. Penguin – Located in Fantasyland near the Carousel

Tinker Bell – Located in Main Street, U.S.A in the Town Square Theatre; Meets guests during the regular day here.

Ariel – Located in Fantasyland next to Ariel’s Grotto; Meets guests during the regular day

Merida- Located in Fantasyland at the Fairytale Garden; Meets guests during the regular day

The Country Bears – Located in Adventureland; They don’t have a set location but they’re roaming throughout the area all night.

Phineas & Ferb – Located in Tomorrowland near the exit of Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters

Additional Meet and Greet Tips – I would meet the characters that are out during the day before the party starts and get the rare characters during the party. There really isn’t enough time during the party to see all the characters. Your tickets get you into the park starting at 4:00 p.m., which gives you an extra 3 hours in the parks. Remember to get into line early for those really popular characters so you don’t waste your whole party waiting for only a couple of characters.

There you have it one of the Happiest events at the Magic Kingdom. This event is worth the extra cost and I highly recommend going. If you want more information on the event or want to plan a trip to Walt Disney World, please contact me.

This event is filled with all kinds of spooktacular entertainment and is one of the most anticipated special events of the year. Join your family with a Villainous Fireworks show, popular seasonal attractions, such as the transformation of the Haunted Mansion into the beloved Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Space Mountain into Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Here you will find some of your favorite Disney Villains, along with Mickey Mouse and his friends all dressed in their Halloween costumes! Costumes are not required for this event but definitely encouraged. Dressing up for this event for our family really has added to the magic and excitement of the event.

MainStreet Pumpkin Festival

In the center of Town Square you’ll find a 12-foot high Mickey ‘jack-o’-lantern’, complete with pumpkin ears. As you make your way down Main Street U.S.A., you will see over 300 different carved pumpkins on display in the shop windows.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

The bakers at the Disneyland Resort come together each year to create an original gingerbread house for the ballroom scene. Last year’s gingerbread house was perched on a tall and spindly mountain featuring a flying Zero and a ghost train. At 9 feet tall, it was one of the tallest they’ve ever built. The Haunted Mansion will also be transformed into a Tim Burton ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ theme.

SpaceMountain Ghost Galaxy

As always this year, Space Mountain will be transformed into “Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy!” Move through space and experience surprises around every corner. Typically, it is best to do the attractions during the day. This will allow you to have more time seeing all the extras of the party and to see more cool and rare characters. If you only have tickets for the party, you will still be able to get into the park at 4:00 p.m., which will allow you to do the attractions before the party starts.

Toontown Treat Pre-Party starts 1 hour before the Party Starts

Event guests may enjoy some spooky fun in Mickey’s Towntoon, even before the party starts. Where early Trick-or-Treating Witches & Wizards will greet guests. Line up for the pre-party 30-45-minutes before it starts. This will help you get through the lines a lot quicker, you’ll get more candy, and you’ll have time to see all the characters. The characters you will see for the pre-party are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Chip n’ Dale, Clarabelle Cow, and Roger Rabbit. Roger Rabbit and Clarabelle Cow only come out for this pre-party. This was so much fun, and it definitely kicked off the night on a high note. We saw so many characters and got loads of treats before the party even started.

Mickey’s Halloween Parade runs twice nightly

Join Mickey and his friends all dressed up for the holiday in this haunted musical Cavalcade down Main Street. Floats will celebrate the “fun of dressing up,” including a Haunted Castle Float decorated by Mickey with bats, ghosts, spider webs, pumpkins and skulls. This is not the same parade as done during the day.

A Villainous Surprise in the Skies Fireworks’ runs nightly at 9:30 p.m

This “Halloween Screams” Fireworks Spooktacular show is hosted by none other than Jack Skellington. Flames, fireworks and great music all come together to make this a don’t-miss firework show. These fireworks, which are different than the regular fireworks done during the week, are absolutely amazing and are my favorite to watch!

Mickey’s Tick-or-Treat Trails

Treats include apple slices, carrots, raisins, dried fruit, and of course, a variety of chocolates and other candies. Trust me when I say you will leave the party with several pounds of candy. The Trick-or-Treat trails are all over the park, and cast members hand out handfuls of treats.

Halloween Treats

Halloween party treats are sold throughout the park, with exclusive Haunted Mansion treats at The French Market and Café Orleans! Goodies available include Silly Halloween Caramel Apples, Pumpkin Muffins topped with Cream, Mickey Halloween Cookies, Hot Caramel Apple Cider, and Pumpkin Cheesecake!

Costumed Characters

Keep your eyes open, because you never know whom you’ll see–but will you recognize them? Your beloved Disney Characters will be dressed up in their best costumes, and Disney Villains will be out in full force. During our last visit we saw Mickey and his friends dressed up in four different costumes from 4:00 p.m. to the end of the party. It was fun to see all of their different costumes. Just make sure you don’t forget your camera!

Dance Party

Take a load off and dance the night away with some of your favorite Disney characters at the night’s dance party event in Tomorrowland. Select Disney Characters come out and dance with everyone; however, they will not stop and take pictures or sign autographs at the dance party.

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, please contact me for more information and deals.

The Disneyland Resort is about to get a little bit spookier this fall. Halloween Time starts at the Disneyland Resort on September 12th and runs through October 31st. Mickey’s Halloween Party will run on select nights for 14 nights at the Disneyland Park.

Halloween Time features the popular seasonal attractions such as the transformation of the Haunted Mansion to the loved Night Before Christmas Holiday Mansion, and Space Mountain to Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. There will also be some of your favorite Disney Villains. Mickey Mouse and his friends will all be dressed in their Halloween costumes during the party!

Friday, September 26; Tuesday, September 30; Friday, October 3; Monday, October 6; Wednesday, October 8; Friday, October 10; Tuesday, October 14; Friday, October 17; Monday, October 20; Wednesday, October 22; Friday, October 24; Monday, October 27; Wednesday, October 29; and Friday, October 31.

Return back to Wish Upon a Blog with Cody later this week for more information on Mickey’s Halloween Party.

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, please contact me for more information and deals.